South Korea lost 0-1 to South Africa in their final group-stage match.
The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, conceded the decisive goal in the 63rd minute and lost 0-1 to South Africa in the third and final match of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held Tuesday (Korea time) at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico.
After defeating the Czech Republic 2-1 and losing 0-1 to host nation Mexico in their previous two matches, Korea recorded one win and two losses (three points) to finish third in Group A, behind Mexico (three wins, nine points) and South Africa (one win, one draw, one loss, four points). Korea could have advanced to the round of 32 as group runners-up with just a draw, but the defeat ended their hopes of qualifying on their own. South Africa secured second place in the group, reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history. Korea's advancement as a wild card will be determined by comparing records with third-place teams from other groups.
Hong made a bold move by benching Son Heung-min (LAFC). It was the first time Son had been left out of the starting lineup at a World Cup finals since his debut at the 2014 Brazil tournament. Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) started up front, while Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) took charge of the flanks.
Korea launched attacks early in the first half, led by Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, but failed to convert them into goals. Instead, they struggled against South Africa's counterattacks from the middle of the first half onward, with Kim Seung-gyu's consecutive saves preventing goals.
After conceding the opening goal in the 63rd minute, Korea fought back by bringing on players including Son Heung-min, but ultimately could not break through. Korea showed a frustrating attack, failing to record even a single shot on target.
As a result, Korea's record against African nations at World Cup finals stands at one win, one draw, and three losses. The team has not added a victory against an African side in 20 years, since beating Togo at the 2006 Germany World Cup.
